The latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon is becoming as prevalent on SA roads as its predecessors. Now the estate version's here?

The estate takes the strengths of the saloon — billed as safety, agility and comfort — and combines them with a significant increase in space and versatility.

"The combination of space and elegance makes the C-Class Estate an ideal vehicle for any lifestyle. The estate is the all-rounder of the motoring world and the new C-Class Estate is a true master in multi-tasking," reckons Eckart Mayer, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Highlighting the vehicle?s comfort and agility to differing degrees, as with the saloon, there's a choice of three styles: Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde. The latter line features a large Mercedes star positioned in the centre of the radiator grille that emphasises its sporty, agile nature. In the Elegance model, a three-dimensional, louvred radiator grille is intended to accentuate attributes such as standard comfort and luxury. And the Classic model is supposed to be more stylish and traditional.

Baby got back

During the concept phase for the new estate, it was decided to prioritise spaciousness, versatility and functionality. So, compared to its predecessor, the rear is slanted far more steeply, a crucial factor for enlarging the vehicle's load volume, which now varies between 485 and 1500 litres — an increase of 146 litres over the outgoing model.

This means it can accommodate, for example, four golf bags including trolleys. The largest possible cuboid that fits into the load compartment now has a volume of 827 litres — that is an increase of 66 litres compared to the previous model — while the maximum interior length is 2.82m, as measured between the tailgate and the front passenger footwell: 17cm more than previously.

It can be loaded more easily too. For instance, two bag hooks and four rings for anchoring loads are included in the load compartment as standard. Stowage compartments with net covers and a collapsible shopping crate can likewise be found in all models, as can the combined luggage cover and retaining net.

The new optional 'Easy-Pack' tailgate opens and closes as the push of a button, while the optional 'Easy-Pack' load-securing kit presents more possibilities for both partitioning the load compartment and for securing the load being carried.

Got so much stuff it doesn?t fit in the back? The new C-Class Estate has a towing capacity of as much as 1800kg.

Under the skin

With brand new or redeveloped engines under the bonnet giving more power and torque, the Estate also consumes up to 12 percent less fuel than previously.

The four-cylinder power units were the focus of the development work: in the case of the C180 Kompressor and C200 Kompressor petrol models output has been boosted by 10kW and 15kW respectively. At the same time, the fuel consumption figures for the two models could be cut by up to 10.3 percent to 7.7 and 7.8 litres/100 kilometres.

For the six-cylinder engine range, there's a choice of two petrol units developing 170kW and 200kW, and the new C320 CDI with an output of 165kW.

The C180 Kompressor estate and the C200 Kompressor estate engine variants are coupled to a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The C280, C320 CDI and the C350 estates are partnered by the 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission.

As for its road manners, the C-Class comes with a standard-fit Agility Control package. This features shock absorbers which automatically adapt to the current driving situation for an improvement in ride comfort when driving normally. As soon as a more dynamic driving style is adopted, on the other hand, the maximum damping forces are set to stabilise the estate effectively.

A steering system that is six percent more direct and a short-throw six-speed manual transmission also form part of the Agility Control package.

The Advanced Agility package that is available as an option, offers two drive modes which determine the fundamental suspension characteristic: Comfort and Sport. Within these modes, the shock absorbers at each wheel are regulated, the body is lowered by 15mm and the suspension equipped with shorter springs and thicker torsion bars. The dynamic handling package also encompasses the new speed-sensitive power steering with a more direct ratio and variable centring.

Kitting out the new estate with the optional AMG sports package adds a sports suspension with shorter springs and firmer shock absorbers to the specification, along with 17-inch light-alloy wheels. The body is also dropped by 15 millimetres.

Safe as houses

The occupant protection concept is underpinned by an intelligently designed bodyshell, 70 percent of which consists of high-strength and ultra-high-strength grades of steel. The front-end structure comprises four impact levels which act independently of one another and enable forces to be distributed over a wide area while bypassing the passenger cell. The occupants are protected by a total of seven airbags as standard. The driver, front passenger and the passengers on the outer rear seats also benefit from belt tensioners and belt force limiters.

The Neck-Pro head restraints in the front have a crash-responsive design, meaning that they move to cushion the heads of the driver and front passenger at an early stage in a rear-end collision to guard against the risk of whiplash. The integrated child seats, which fold out of the rear bench seat have undergone further development and are now also fitted with a wraparound head restraint.

Standard features such as the flashing brake lights, Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program play their part in accident prevention. The ESP system now incorporates additional functions: not only does it monitor the tyre pressure, it also helps to enhance safety when towing a trailer with an automatic trailer stabilisation function.

The anticipatory occupant protection system Pre-Safe makes use of the time before an imminent accident to prepare the vehicle and its occupants for a collision. The result: a reduction in the loads exerted on the passengers upon impact.

Get comfortable

Inside, it's all about what Mercedes call "a homely atmosphere". For the first time, the colour concept has been extended to the load compartment too. On Classic and Elegance models, the selected appointments colour is used for both the carpeting and the side trim. On the Avantgarde line, the rear compartment is carpeted in black too.

Newly developed seats, as well as a powerful air conditioning system add to the comfort. The estate offers the individually adjustable three-zone climate control as standard on the C280, C320 CDI, C350 and C63 AMG models.

The colour display in the centre of the dashboard is linked up to the controller on the tunnel console. This is where the driver can operate the audio and navigation systems or the telephone via a menu or the direct selection keys in the centre console: the car radio, CD/ DVD player, navigation system or telephone can be switched on at the push of a button. Subsequent operating steps are performed using the controller in unison with the colour display in the dashboard.

Mercedes-Benz developed two new infotainment units for the C-Class: Audio 20 with six-disc CD changer and Comand APS. They all feature a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, as well as a Bluetooth interface which allows mobile phones to be connected wirelessly to the hands-free system. With the Comand APS multimedia system, the navigation data is stored on a hard disc. A map which can be viewed from different perspectives appears on the tilting colour display. The Comand APS also comprises a DVD player, along with a music server for storing up to 1000 tracks.

The Linguatronic voice control system is automatically included on C-Class Estate models equipped with the Comand APS system.

The new C-Class Estate will be available at Mercedes-Benz sales and service dealerships from May 2008. The MobiloDrive 120 maintenance contract is available as standard.

Pricing:
C180 K Classic Estate: R306 000
C200 K Classic Estate : R322 000
C280 Auto Elegance Estate: R406 000
C320 CDI Auto Elegance Estate: R434 000
C350 Auto Elegance Estate: R441 000
C63 AMG Estate: R738 000